Review of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle market, and it offers a practical and environmentally friendly option for those in the UK, where the push for cleaner transportation is gaining momentum.

Rivals to the Renault Kangoo E-Tech include the Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner and Mercedes Citan.

Our Renault Kangoo E-Tech review covers:

• Practical exterior design with its boxy shape
• Comfortably and ample interior space
• Available in two versions (L1 and L2) with a loading volume up to 4.9 m3
• 90kW Engine and 44kWh battery
• Two trim levels are available: Start and Advance

Pros:

• Zero Emissions
• Low Operating Costs
• Quiet and Smooth Ride

Cons:

• Expensive 
• Limited Range
• Dependence on Charging

The design of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech retains the practical and functional characteristics that have made this model popular among businesses and families. It's a compact van that combines a boxy shape with modern styling elements. The Kangoo E-Tech features a distinctive front grille with Renault's logo prominently displayed. Its compact size and high roofline give it a unique and recognizable appearance. The design is both practical and aerodynamic, contributing to improved efficiency. Inside, the cabin is designed with functionality in mind. It offers a spacious and ergonomic layout, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The interior materials are durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for both work and family use.

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech excels in practicality. The Kangoo offers two size options: the standard wheelbase and the long-wheelbase Maxi. These provide maximum load volumes of 3.3m3 and 4.2m3, respectively. To put this in perspective, the longest variants of the Citroën ë-Berlingo electric van, Peugeot e-Partner, and Vauxhall Combo Electric offer a maximum load volume of 3.9m3.

In terms of payload capacity, the standard L1 model falls slightly short of the 750kg rating that the smallest versions of these competitors can handle. However, the Kangoo Maxi with an 800kg maximum payload capacity matches the capabilities of their longer versions. The mid-range L2 Kangoo offers a respectable 764kg payload capacity. Regardless of the version you choose, you can tow a maximum braked weight of 1500kg.

When it comes to interior storage space, the Kangoo E-Tech doesn't disappoint. The cabin boasts a total of 44 litres of storage capacity. The door bins are spacious enough to accommodate one-litre water bottles each, and there are convenient cup holders in the centre console. Additionally, you'll find a generous glovebox, an overhead storage compartment, and even an extra storage bin located behind the instrument cluster for added convenience.

Most drivers will find it easy to achieve a comfortable driving position in the Renault Kangoo E-Tech electric van. The seat offers ample adjustments, and the steering wheel can be adjusted for both reach and rake. While the alignment of the pedals, seat, and steering wheel isn't perfect, even during extended driving sessions, we didn't experience any discomfort.

The interior materials that drivers frequently come into contact with exude a sense of quality. The steering wheel is adorned with a pleasant faux-leather cover, and although the majority of materials are of the hard plastic variety, they feature textured surfaces that add visual interest and appear durable.

In the base-level Kangoo E-Tech models, you'll find a straightforward stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity. However, higher-tier versions feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone mirroring. The touchscreen system is responsive to user inputs, although some may prefer physical buttons over the touch-sensitive areas located on the screen's sides.

The driver's information display offers a wealth of information, including your current speed, details about driving assistance features, and the media sources in use. Analog dials within the instrument cluster display your speed, acceleration input, and notably, the remaining battery charge level, providing essential information at a glance.

Two trim levels are available: Start and Advance.

The standard version of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, known as "Start," offers a range of essential features for everyday driving. Inside the cabin, you'll find entertainment and connectivity options such as DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, and USB and auxiliary inputs, ensuring you stay connected and entertained on your journeys. Convenience is enhanced with auto lights and wipers that adapt to changing light and weather conditions, as well as electric windows and heated, powered door mirrors for added ease of use. This version comes with a single passenger seat equipped with Isofix, making it suitable for child seats, and a full steel bulkhead for cargo separation and safety. Manual air conditioning allows you to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, while twin side doors provide convenient access to the cargo area. Safety features include a driver's airbag, hill start assist, and an emergency call function. Additionally, cruise control and a speed limiter help you maintain a consistent speed on the road, reducing driver fatigue. Finally, a 3.5-inch TFT information display provides essential vehicle information at a glance.

The Advanced version of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, known as "Advance," takes your driving experience to the next level with several upgrades. Infotainment gets a boost with an eight-inch touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling seamless smartphone integration and access to various apps and functions. Parking convenience is improved with the addition of an electric parking brake, simplifying parking manoeuvres, and reverse parking sensors that enhance your ability to navigate tight spaces. The Advance version includes a front passenger bench seat, expanding seating capacity when needed. LED lighting in the load area illuminates your cargo, making it easier to work in low-light conditions, while a wide view mirror enhances visibility, particularly useful when manoeuvring in tight spaces or changing lanes. For added aesthetics, body-coloured door rails add a touch of style to the vehicle's exterior. These enhancements make the Advance version an excellent choice for those seeking advanced functionality and connectivity in their Renault Kangoo E-Tech.

The Kangoo E-Tech boasts a larger battery compared to its predecessor, the Z.E., offering a usable capacity of 45kWh, a notable increase from the previous 33kWh. This upgrade significantly extends the electric van's range on a full charge, providing crucial additional mileage. Furthermore, it features a new electric motor with 121bhp, a substantial improvement over the 59bhp of the previous model. Additionally, the Kangoo E-Tech provides a more spacious interior, enhancing comfort and usability.

With its robust 121bhp electric motor, the Kangoo E-Tech electric van accelerates briskly on country roads. Drivers familiar with its predecessor, the Z.E., will undoubtedly notice the performance difference. In fact, the Kangoo E-Tech's electric motor even surpasses the power output of the top-rated 1.5-litre diesel engine in the standard Renault Kangoo. Its 181lb ft of torque ensures smooth acceleration from traffic lights, and this pulling power remains consistent up to its top speed of 81mph. Impressively, the van can achieve a 0-62mph sprint in just 11.6 seconds, a noteworthy feat for a vehicle in this category. Consequently, the Kangoo E-Tech delivers a satisfyingly quick driving experience, whether navigating urban streets or overtaking on the motorway.

Despite the added weight of its battery pack, the Kangoo E-Tech exhibits excellent handling, characterized by responsive and well-weighted steering. The van's suspension does a commendable job of smoothing out most bumps and road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces.

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech is a strong contender in the electric van market, and it's well-suited to the UK. Its practical design, reasonable range, and convenient charging options make it an attractive choice for businesses and individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs. Whether you need a vehicle for business or personal use, the Kangoo E-Tech is worth considering for its eco-friendliness and versatility on UK roads.

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £35,820.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £147.93.

If you're considering leasing a Renault Kangoo E-Tech, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Renault Kangoo E-Tech can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.